Miss South Carolina USA & Miss South Carolina Teen USA Pageants

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1. I have to be a “Pageant Pro” or have competed in this pageant or preliminaries to win. On the contrary! Quite often our competitors are the “girls next door.” For example, three of our six winners from 2002 were new to us, and one had never even competed before!

2. I must be “tall” to win a pageant. Many times state and national winners have been considered “petite.” Ruth Zacahrian became Miss Teen USA at 4’11”, Kimberly Pressler was crowned Miss USA at 5’5”, and several of our state titleholders have been barely 5’ tall!

3. I’m too young – I’m too old. Jennifer DuPont and Sarah Medley both women won their state Miss USA titles at 18. Also, Logan Travis, Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2007 won her title at 14! Judges are totally unaware of the contestant’s age. It has never been an issue.

4. I must patronize the pageant sponsors when preparing for competition. Resource information is given for the contestant’s benefit. Our sponsors do not discuss who their clients are; and it is certainly the contestant and her family’s choice who they work with.

5. I have heard that the Miss USA is a more sexy pageant than the others. The Miss USA pageants are certainly considered more “glamorous” than other pageants; but we advocate “elegance”, not sexiness.

6. I simply cannot afford to compete. We explain how to obtain sponsorships to cover competition costs—including entry fee and wardrobe. Your family, friends and local business leaders will be supportive, when you share your goals with them.

7. I must be a perfect “10” in swimsuit. Physical fitness is important, but contestants are judged in three “equal” categories—evening gown, personal interview, and swimsuit.

8. I must wear the most beautiful, expensive gown in order to win. Our judges are instructed to score the contestant’s poise and sense of style, not the gown itself. Winners receive a whole new wardrobe for their national competition.

9. I need a “pageant coach” to help me prepare. Even though some contestants wish to seek expert advice, we do not see this reflected in the overall outcome of the pageant. Focus on being at your “personal best!”

10. Only the winners are selected for various modeling/talent opportunities and career benefits. Not true! Just this past year, several of our contestants were chosen for interviews by the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency, based in New York. In addition, Charlie Matthau (Walter’s son) selected contestants to audition for the Matthau Production Company in Los Angeles!

11. If I win, I must put my life on hold—including my career or school responsibilities. Our program is an excellent vehicle that encourages your success. We would never advocate quitting your job, or school, but using your year as our state titleholder to help obtain your personal goals! In addition, the commitment to compete in the MISS USA or MISS TEEN USA pageant is an incredibly rewarding experience. Your year will be full of exciting possibilities!

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